Teaching assistant professor of urban foods appointed
Monday, July 10, 2023 | Written by Beth Jones
OLATHE — Tricia Jenkins joins Kansas State University Olathe as the teaching assistant professor of urban foods, effective July 1.
In this role, Jenkins supports the urban food systems strategic initiative of K-State Olathe and K-State's College of Agriculture. She is responsible for developing and maintaining successful teaching and research programs in support of sustainable, value-based urban food systems. Additionally, she collaborates with other programs, including postharvest physiology, produce microbiology and food safety.
Jenkins teaches graduate courses in urban food systems and farm-to-fork produce safety. She is responsible for recruiting and mentoring graduate students throughout the duration of their programs. Jenkins also develops and delivers professional development training in urban food systems.
Prior to this position, Jenkins worked as a co-instructor in the department of horticulture and natural resources at K-State Olathe. She also worked as a teacher’s assistant to teach graduate-level horticulture classes.
Jenkins has a background in research and spent time as a post-doctoral researcher. Her previous work includes assisting in developing and distributing a national online questionnaire, leading focus groups with organic growers, using qualitative analysis methods to analyze questionnaires and focus group results and compiling final project reports. Jenkins also is the first K-State Olathe doctorate student to be hired as faculty.
Additionally, Jenkins has published several peer-reviewed papers, including “Effect of high tunnel production systems on the preharvest losses and harvest quality of ‘BHN 589’ and ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomatoes,” “Effect of rootstock on ‘Tasti-Lee’ tomato yield and fruit quality in a high tunnel production system” and “Evaluating Ethylene Sensitivity and Exogenous Ethylene Impact on Early Growth of Grafted and Nongrafted Tomato Seedlings.”
Jenkins also serves as an associate editor of outreach and engagement at the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development.